The 4 Cities in Maine Using Flock License Plate Cameras The Most

One of the hottest debates in the world of public safety and invasion of privacy is over the use of Flock cameras by law enforcement.

Many people in Maine are still unaware of what Flock cameras are, what they look like and what specific purpose they serve.

Flock Cameras Track and Maintain Detailed Vehicle Records

Flock cameras are automated license plate capturing technology. The cameras read every single license plate that passes by along with dents, dings and additional vehicle details and log it into a database using AI.

Law enforcement can access that database as needed when a vehicle or license plate comes into question.

Some Maine communities have already opted against the use of ALPR cameras but others have adopted it with enthusiasm.

Lewiston is Operating The Most Flock Cameras of Any City in Maine

According to WGME, Lewiston is currently running the largest network of ALPRs (Flock cameras) of any city in Maine.

Lewiston has installed at least a dozen flock cameras in high-traffic areas as well as neighborhoods in the city that have seen significant crime rates.

While other cities like South Portland have moved away from ALPRs, Lewiston is hoping to add more.

Auburn, Maine, Has Been Using Several Flock Cameras Around The City

Lewiston's neighbor, Auburn, has also been invested in using Flock cameras to help solve crimes. But that may not last much longer.

According to WGME, Auburn residents have begun collecting signatures to ban Flock camera usage in the city.

Auburn currently operates about half as many Flock cameras citywide as Lewiston.

Falmouth and York, Maine, Also Have Been Using Flock Cameras Prominently

Both the Falmouth and York, Maine, Police Departments have come under fire for using Flock cameras.

Law enforcement in Falmouth have announced they will not renew their contract with Flock for their camera usage but will instead move to a different company called Axon. It remains to be seen if that will be less invasive.

Law enforcement in York also faced public backlash and have since minimized how much data the department shares with national databases. The Flock cameras remain in usage with no plans to remove them.